Why Come Out?
If you are questioning whether you really need to come out to others, remember that it is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. It is also a powerful thing you can do for others, as public opinion shows that people who know someone gay are more likely to support our quest for equality. Coming out is a big step in your life, and it contributes to a giant leap for all GLBT people, today and in the future.
Coming Out to Yourself
Coming out to yourself is the first part of your journey. If the idea of coming out is new to you, however, you may wonder what exactly does "coming out" mean? How do you know if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? What are the facts about sexuality and gender identity? How can you tell if you are bisexual? What does transgender mean?
Coming Out to Others
After coming out to yourself, a common next step is to come out to others. Some people find that testing the waters before coming out to friends and family is helpful. Others find that coming out online is a good way to begin talking to others. Some GLBT people also must navigate how to come out to their children.
Coming Out Throughout Life
Even after coming out to yourself and the important people in your life, you will find that coming out is a lifelong journey that requires that you make frequent decisions about whether to come out to someone new. For example, GLBT people must make coming-out decisions in the workplace, the military, with a health care provider and in a place of worship. Coming out truly is a never-ending journey.
The Utah Pride Center also a variety of support programs and hosts the Coming Out Breakfast every year.
For more information, visit the Human Rights Campaign Coming Out page. "Coming Out: A Journey " was written by the Human Rights Campaign.
